Preston J. SteckeL retail coal dealer at West Coplay, was born in Whitehall township, 11/28/1868. He was first employed on the farm and at the age of 18 years leaned the carpenter rade and followed it ten years. He then became a foreman of the Giant Mill for the American Cement Co., a position he filled until the winter of 1911. On 1/20/1911, he engaged in the coal business at West Coplay, leasing the Simon Myers coal yard, which he purchased in July 1911. He has the only yard at West Coplay. He is a member of the united Whitehall Beneficial Society; the Minsi Tribe, Order of Red Men, and of the Reformed Church at Mickleys. He married in 1893, Laura Roth daughter of David and Rebecca (Heinizelman) Roth, and their children are: Edward D., a stenographer, and Harold P.